Luke Bryan takes in nephew after family tragedy
When country music star Luke Bryan lost his sister unexpectedly in 2007, it hit him and his sister's family hard. When her husband, Ben Lee Cheshire, died in November, Luke had more than the emotional toll to handle.
He was left with the question of how he could help the couple's three children. His response? Take his nephew in.
Til, Bryan's 13-year-old nephew, has come to live in Nashville. He is staying with Bryan, his wife Caroline and their two sons. Bryan flies in Til's two older sisters to visit him whenever possible.
Bryan is opening up about his decision in hopes it will inspire others going through family tragedies.
"We feel like if we just stay positive through this, maybe we'll be a positive inspiration for people that had these things happen to 'em," Bryan told ABC News.
Bryan's wish that his story would inspire others seems to be coming true. After he shared about his loss and decision to take in his nephew, his story has gone viral, with thousands of people sharing it on social media.
The star continues to stress the importance of a positive attitude despite being no stranger to tragedy. In Bryan's teen years -- before the death of his sister and brother-in-law -- Bryan's brother died in a car crash.
"If me telling my story moves people down a positive path of hope and getting up out of the bed and getting back going, then, you know, it's certainly worth telling," Bryan told ABC News in 2013.
Bryan wrote a song, "Drink A Beer," in honor of both of his siblings.
In December, country stars Lady Antebellum and songwriter Chris Stapleton performed "Drink a Beer" at the CMT Artist of the Year ceremony. Bryan had cancelled his appearance due to the death of his brother-in-law, so his country music friends performed in his place to support him.
